By Burnett Munthali
President Hakainde Hichilema has accorded an official funeral to Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni people in recognition of his 44 years on the throne.
The decision also honors the late chief’s enormous and valuable contributions to the leadership of the Abangoni Royal Establishment and to the nation in preserving unity, culture, and tradition.
The President has declared Tuesday, June 9, 2026, as a day of national mourning in honor of the late Paramount Chief.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV is set to be buried on June 9, 2026, the same day designated for national mourning, marking the end of his 44-year reign.
Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Kangwa announced the arrangements in a statement released to ZNBC News in Lusaka today.
Mr. Kangwa advised that during the period of national mourning, all programs of an entertainment nature shall be postponed.
He added that national flags will fly at half mast throughout the mourning period for the late Paramount Chief.
The period of national mourning shall run from 06:00 to 18:00 hours on June 9, 2026.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni died on May 30, 2026, at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka after an illness.
According to the Abangoni Royal Establishment, Paramount Chief Mpezeni will be buried at the Royal Resting Grounds at Feni in Chipata District.
